Who won this medalbar ? (KVK w/o swords)

[Garulfo]

I'm always confused with the KVK, on some books it's stated that the soldiers always received the KVK with swords but I also read that a soldier could received a KVK without swords. I never saw a picture or an award doc for a KVK without swords to a soldier.

So is it possible that this medalbar was awarded to a Wehrmacht or Waffen-SS member or to a man of a "civilian" organisation (Reichsbahn, Org. Todt, Polizei, RAD, NSKK...) ?

(ribbons are not so bright in real life)

[Gary B]

Hi,

Soldiers could receive the WMC w/o swords for an action not involving contact with the enemy i.e. not a result of bravery in action. Without swords could be given for meritorious staff work or excellence in transporting supplies etc, etc.

Gary B

[Garulfo]

Thanks Gary. I know that following the rules KVK w/o swords is for a non combat action but I never saw a picture of a Wehrmacht soldier with a KVK w/o swords so I wonder if a soldier always received a KVK with swords just because is a member of the Wehrmacht.

[Frank K]

So is it possible that this medalbar was awarded to a Wehrmacht or Waffen-SS member or to a man of a "civilian" organisation (Reichsbahn, Org. Todt, Polizei, RAD, NSKK...) ?

Imo the last option is most probably. The east medal indicates that the person spent some time in Russia but probably with the organisations you mention. Usually it would be given to people like workers, teachers etc who contributed to the war effort on the homefront.

The version with swords was usually given to soldiers who showed bravery but not in direct combat. I guess that could be drivers, mechanics, staff people etc.

On the other hand there are some grey areas between the two kvk's and the kvk with swords and the ek2 so it's hard to make exact rules.

[Garulfo]

Thanks Frank, that's my opinion too.

Did someone have a picture or an award doc for a KVK w/o swords to a Wehrmacht soldier ?

[TerryG]

Thanks Frank, that's my opinion too.

Did someone have a picture or an award doc for a KVK w/o swords to a Wehrmacht soldier ?

I cannot find any in my collection.